The hottest Drug Trafficking Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

El Mano Negra, a California hitman, shares details of his narco hits and cartel operations in the United States
Martinez, a prolific killer, operated for years without capture but finally faced trial and received multiple life sentences
Martinez's motives for murder ranged from 'honor killings' to serving drug traffickers, highlighting the dark reality of cartel violence in the US

The term 'cartel' is commonly used to describe organized crime networks in Mexico, but it can be criticized for being inaccurate and misleading.
Despite critiques, there is clear evidence of powerful criminal networks in Mexico unleashing violence and running various illegal activities.
While there are debates about the terminology, 'cartel' remains a widely understood term to represent these organized crime groups, even though nuances in their structures and operations exist.

Cartels recruit young U.S. citizens near the border as 'body carriers' to smuggle fentanyl in hidden body cavities.
Fentanyl smuggling through body carriers is a growing problem, with significant amounts being brought illegally into the United States.
Social media platforms like Instagram are being used by cartels to entice and recruit young individuals to smuggle dangerous drugs.

Interview with 'El Plaga' reveals conflicting claims about his status - in prison or free.
Insight into the violent infighting within the Sinaloa Cartel provided by 'El Plaga'.
Emergence of a new generation of narcos engaging in social media, music, and showcasing exotic pets like monkeys.

Cartels use cash, sex, and blackmail to recruit corrupt border patrol agents.
Corruption within Border Patrol includes officers waving vehicles of drugs through checkpoints.
Challenges in stopping drug trafficking involve the strategic positions of corrupt border patrol agents and the complicity between law enforcement and drug traffickers.

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America's first drug cartel was built by Italian-Jewish mobsters, not Colombian or Mexican cartels.
The mobsters in the US were heavily involved in narcotics despite the glamorized image of mafia dons being focused on honor rather than drug trafficking.
Homegrown criminals from Italian, Jewish, and Irish backgrounds set the foundation for drug trafficking in the US, paving the way for later cartels like Colombians and Mexicans.

Emma Coronel is a famous figure due to her association with El Chapo and her glamour as a former beauty queen
There is a long-standing interest in the role of narco wives in media and fiction, focusing on their relationships and power dynamics
Despite her legal troubles, Coronel continues to attract media attention and appears to be navigating her situation strategically

Witnesses in a trial revealed deep connections between Mexican authorities and drug cartels, raising questions about government integrity.
The term 'narco state' is used to describe a government infiltrated by drug cartels, a label that has been applied to Mexico.
Despite the challenges, there are still functioning and legitimate institutions within Mexico that provide essential services to its people.

DEA sting operation targets Chinese labs supplying fentanyl precursors to the US
Overdose crisis in the US worsened by synthetic drugs like fentanyl
Indictments and arrests may disrupt fentanyl trafficking but traffickers may adapt

Ciudad Juárez has a complex and fragile crime system controlled by multiple narco gangs.
The division of territory in Juárez is between Juárez Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel affiliates.
The Juárez gangs are heavily involved in human smuggling and drug trafficking, contributing to high levels of violence in the city.

Trafficked Hondurans forced to sell drugs in San Francisco is considered a myth by some officials based on lack of evidence.
In San Francisco, a high percentage of drug overdose deaths in specific districts, highlighting the impact of fentanyl on the city.
Debates among supervisors and officials arise on deportation of fentanyl dealers in San Francisco, showcasing differing approaches to tackling the crisis.